Thyme to Spice Up Your Pantry

It’s been a long time cumin, but we have something pretty exciting to spice up your kitchen!

If you want to continue your plastic-free pantry journey then it’s thyme to get the perfect vessels to store your herbs & spices in - that’s where our new Belongil Spice Jars come in! With the same borosilicate glass and silicone design as our Glass Pantry Storage Jars - they fit in seamlessly with the rest of your pantry storage. 

You can choose to leave them blank or mark your parsley from your peppercorns using a chalk marker. When you’re done it'll simply wash off with water! Cinn-amen!

We all know a well stocked and organised spice drawer or shelf is the key to preparing mouth watering meals. But do you know the shelf life of different spices, the plastic-free places to buy them from and how to make some of your own blends? If not, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know below.  

Shelf life of herbs and spices: 

Spices are seasonings made from a dried plant, root, bark, or stem, whereas herbs are the plant’s dried or fresh leaves. Because they are dried, their shelf life is extended well beyond what you would expect. That said, spices last longer than herbs and whole seasonings last the longest

  • Dried herbs typically last 1-3 years
  • Ground or powdered spices have a shelf life of 2-3 years
  • Whole, unground spices (like peppercorns, mustard seeds and cloves) have the longest shelf life due to the lower surface area exposure and can last up to 4 years 
  • Salt will last indefinitely

To maximise longevity, keep spices away from heat, light, moisture and while spices and herbs don’t go bad, they will lose their aroma and flavour over time. 

Where to buy them plastic-free: 

Most bulk stores will have all the spices and herbs you could dream of so you can refill your Spice Jars without the plastic. Take along your bulk food bags to grab your whole spices such as cloves and bay leaves and take your Spice Jars to refill your spices and herbs. 

How to make your own blends: 

Instead of purchasing the pre-made spice blends, save one or two Spice Jars to play around with and make your own. You can create your own unique mix to share with family and friends. 

If you’re ready for an as-salt of the senses, check out some of our favourite blends below!  

Sarah’s All In Vegetable Seasoning 

Use on any roasted or pan-fried vegetables, especially when making homemade soups 

  • 3 tsp Salt
  • 2 tsp Ground Garlic
  • 2 tsp Rosemary
  • 2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Parsley
  • 1 tsp Chilli Flakes 
  • ½ tsp sugar  

Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend 

This blend will add the most amazing flavour to your smashed avocado toast or anything savoury! 

  • 3 tsp Garlic Flakes
  • 3 tsp Onion Flakes
  • 3 tsp Salt Flakes (has to be flakes!)
  • 3 tsp Black Poppy Seeds
  • 3 tsp White Sesame Seeds

Hot Chocolate Spice Blend 

Simply add 1 tablespoon of this blend to add some extra deliciousness to your next hot chocolate! Note: add less cayenne pepper if you don’t like things too hot. 

  • 4 tsp Cinnamon
  • 4 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 2 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 2 tsp Ground Cloves
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper

Now you’ve got all you need to take the kitchen by storm, tag us if you try any of our blends or if you make your own creation, we’ll be sure to share some of our favourites on Instagram.